Scott Dixon, the Aspar rider, found himself in a disastrous situation during the Moto2 race at Silverstone. Running in 17th place, he had just overtaken Binder’s Intact GP bike on the opening lap. However, as Binder attempted to cut back to the inside through Club corner, he made contact with Dixon on the outside, causing him to crash. Angered by the incident, Dixon believes that the FIM stewards should go beyond penalizing Binder and actually ban him from racing due to his reckless behavior.
In an interview with TNT Sport immediately after the crash, Dixon expressed his frustration, stating, “Sometimes I just don’t understand what this guy is doing. He clearly sees that I’m past him. Use your brain, I’m faster than you. I’m going to pull us forward. Don’t ram me, because you’ve ruined my championship.”
This clash at Silverstone is not an isolated incident; in fact, Binder has gained a reputation as being an aggressive rider. Prior to his Moto2 debut in 2023, Binder competed in Moto3 and MotoGP. During the Algarve Moto3 round in 2021, a mistake on Binder’s part led to him wiping out Dennis Foggia, ultimately affecting the outcome of the world title. It seems that Binder’s aggressive riding style has caused problems for other riders in the past, and Dixon’s outburst suggests that this pattern is continuing.
The Consequences
The crash at Silverstone has had significant consequences for Dixon’s championship hopes. He now finds himself 52 points behind the leader, effectively ending his chances of winning the title. Dixon’s frustration is understandable, as he believes that this incident could have been avoided if Binder had used his brain and considered the consequences of his actions.
Banning Binder: Is It Justified?
Dixon’s call for Binder to be banned raises an important question. Should riders who consistently engage in reckless behavior be banned from racing altogether? While penalties such as long-lap penalties can serve as a temporary deterrent, riders like Binder may continue to pose a danger on the track if their behavior remains unchecked. However, it is crucial to consider the impact that a ban would have on Binder’s career and his ability to learn from his mistakes.
Despite the disappointment and frustration caused by the crash, Dixon remains determined. He acknowledges that his championship hopes have been dashed but states, “I’ve got nothing to lose now. I’m just going to go out and try and win as many GPs as I can win.” Dixon’s resilience in the face of adversity is admirable, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in the remaining races of the season.
The clash between Dixon and Binder at Silverstone has reignited the debate surrounding aggressive riding in motorbike racing. While Dixon’s anger is understandable, it is crucial for the authorities to carefully consider the appropriate measures to address such behavior, taking into account the potential impact on the rider’s career. The clash serves as a reminder of the risks involved in this high-speed sport and the importance of maintaining respect and safety on the track.
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